Helmut Jahn
Helmut Jahn
Helmut Jahnis a German-American architect, well known for designs such as the US$800 million Sony Center on the Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, the Messeturm in Frankfurt and the One Liberty Place, formerly the tallest building in Philadelphia, and Suvarnabhumi Airport, an international airport in Bangkok, Thailand...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionArchitect
Date of Birth4 January 1940
CountryGermany
machine work
We want our buildings to work like a machine that will create a pleasurable environment.
next prepared success
Success on one project does not necessarily mean success in the next project. You've got to be prepared in everything you do.
developer skyscraper terms whom
I think there will be a 200-story skyscraper someday. However, it will require a developer who will not think in conventional terms and for whom economic restraints won't apply.
endeavor takes totally work
When I work, I work very hard. When I don't work, I have to do something where my endeavor can totally take me off what I do professionally, like sailing. It takes all your attention.
life rainy travel work
Working is actually a pleasure. It's just very time-consuming. It's a way of life. I find that I can work when I travel and work when I run. There is nothing like, on a rainy day, to work.
creativity something-new elimination
Creativity has more to do with the elimination of the inessential than with inventing something new.
exercise feel-better thinking
I find if my body feels well and I exercise regularly, I think better, work better and feel better.
attitude fuel-efficiency execution
The American attitude towards efficiency and execution should always underlie architecture.
light glasses use
Most architects say: I want to use this type of glass, even if it's too reflective or doesn't let enough light in. However, the use of a certain type of glass might change the comfort level.
winning thinking artist
In Europe, architects consider themselves artists. They think they're special when they win a competition.
urban building minors
I've never looked at a suburban building as being a minor building and an urban building as being a major building.
creativity space office
I wanted to improve the suburban office building; to create a great urban space in a suburban environment with all that implies about interaction, collaboration and creativity.